Annual Back-to-School Resource Fair and other events connect students with resources, support and a welcoming start to the new school year
Fairfield, CA (August 13, 2026) – As students across Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) have started the 2026–2027 school year, the district is celebrating the many community partners, staff members, and volunteers who helped families prepare for a successful start.
On Saturday, August 8, the annual Back-to-School Resource Fair took place, bringing together more than 65 community organizations and partners to provide families with access to school supplies, backpacks, vaccines, haircuts, food, family resources, and more – all at no cost.
“This event is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around our students,” said FSUSD Superintendent Jennifer Sachs. “We know that student success extends beyond the classroom, and we are grateful for the many partners who continue to show up for our families and students.”
“Our commitment to our students extends to supporting the entire family,” said Dr. Jessica Reed, Assistant Director for FSUSD Student and Family Services. “We are so proud to connect our families to the resources that make a real difference.”
Marbeya Ellis, FSUSD Family Resource Center Manager, added to that sentiment: “The support we offer doesn’t end here; our Family Resource Centers in Fairfield and Suisun City are open to serve families with dependable and targeted support services throughout the year.”
Even before the Resource Fair event, on Thursday, August 6th, the 4th annual Back-to-School Shop with a Cop event took place, another way to ensure that students in need will have a strong start to the school year.
This unique and impactful collaboration between the Fairfield Police Department, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and FSUSD pairs participating students with a “shopper” – a member of the Fairfield Police Department’s sworn or professional staff – for a personalized back-to-school shopping experience at Dick’s. The special day gave a group of students selected by FSUSD’s Student & Family Services Department the chance to kick off the new school year in a memorable way.
The Back-to-School Resource Fair and Shop With a Cop events are not the only examples of how FSUSD schools and staff work throughout the district to welcome students and families and help them start the year strong.
At Sheldon Academy of Innovative Learning, families gathered Tuesday, August 11, for the school’s Welcome Back Event. Students and families picked up schedules, met staff, toured the campus, purchased school shirts, and connected with community resources from organizations including The Thrive Center, First 5, Family Services, Right At School, and the Boy Scouts.
Community generosity was also on full display. Two local churches helped make the event a true success: Casa De Oración provided a BBQ for families, while Mount Calvary donated more than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies for Sheldon students.
“The generosity and partnership of our community helped us provide our students with not only essential resources, but also a warm and welcoming start to the school year,” said Sheldon Academy Principal Lewis.
FSUSD extends its appreciation to the many community organizations, businesses, volunteers and staff members who contributed their time, resources, and generosity to these events that help students begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and connected.
